WWE The PG Era

You could say that the PG Era of the WWE originates from 2009 to Present. Vince McMahon had wanted to tone down the antics that were going down during the previous two eras so they could make the WWE more of a family-oriented company. There were a lot of changes that had happened during this era. First we saw the retirement of the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. But he went out with a bang, going up against The Undertaker in one of the most anticipated rematches in WWE History. Even more recently, we've seen another great leave the ring, but this time due to injuries and that was the man called Edge. All those years of Tables, Ladders and Chairs have taken a toll on him. Another change was the Pay Per Views. The main four still remained the same, but as for the rest, they've each had a theme to it (Money In The Bank, TLC, Extreme Rules, ect.) We've seen new shows such as NXT, the end of ECW, the birth of Nexus, the beginning of the never yet to be seen Raw General Manager. But here are the stars that make the PG Era so great today.

Even though he’s toned down his image (gone is the hardcore rapper) and has become more favorable with the kids, he is the head of this era hands down. With the young boys and girls by his side, the Champ is always going to be there. There are those who still don’t like the change and Cena gets booed out of the building by them on the regular (the adults), Cena remains on top of the list as the top superstar today.

You could like him or you can hate him, he’s probably the only guy that can go toe to toe with Cena, lose from time to time and still be just as popular (if not more) as Cena. Orton finally got rid of Legacy and has become what he was destine to do. Become the Apex Predator of the WWE.

Since cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase and winning the WWE Title, The Miz as been on a roll. Although not currently champion, he’s held the title for a couple of months. Even going on to highlighting Wrestlemania to defend the title. There is only brightness in his future. That was his first, but his last title for he is one of the future face of the WWE.

Since coming back, Christian’s ride back in the WWE have been a bit rocky. But since his return, he has captured the now defunct ECW Title and the World Heavyweight Title. His luck would run out when only but a few days after winning the title, he would go on to lose it to Randy Orton on Smackdown and he’s been bitter ever since. But his current mean streak could win him back the title for this could be his final run.

Since the days of Legacy, never has Cody been pushed more. With his current ‘paperbag’ gimmick, he’s been now seen as one of the more hated wrestlers in the business. Which is working to his advantage. He is one of the hottest young superstars to emerge from the Smackdown roster. I guess Rey giving him the 619 to his face probably was the best thing that could’ve happened to him.

Never has anyone since Rey’s early days in WCW have we’ve seen someone with the ability to do high flying moves such as Evan Bourne. As his Air-Bourne finisher comes down on opponents, you can’t help but to be in awe with how high he jumps. If there were still a Cruiserweight Division still, he would be a champ right now. But he’s doing his best to stay on top of the Raw roster and giving everything he’s got to all opponents both big and small.

These current champs are both great and young. Michael is a 2nd generation star (father is ‘Mr. Perfect’) and Otunga is a star by his own rights (wife is Jennifer Hudson). Whether they are champs or not, these two will have some singles gold to them in the future and will be around the WWE for a long time.

Coming out of the first season of NXT (and part of the original Nexus), these two have found success on Smackdown as well. Both young and athletic. Breaking away from Wade Barrett was probably the right move for them for now they can focus on whether they would benefit each other in singles or in tag team matches. Whichever the case, they are going to be explosive.

What is to be said about the Celtic Warrior that wasn’t said already. He’s already made a name for himself standing toe to toe and blow for blow with ‘The Game’ Triple H and has two WWE Title reigns and U.S. Title to his already young career. That doesn’t even include him being the winner of the King of the Ring. If there is one superstar who has the ability to take the WWE to the next level, that would be Shaemus.

Wade Barrett came in as winner of the first NXT, student to Chris Jericho, came in like a storm forming his own group, The Original Nexus, had a great feud with John Cena, got drafted to Smackdown only to start another group (The now defunct Corre) and gain the IC Title. All of that in less than two years? That’s pretty impressive for the man coming from overseas. And the fact that he’s not even far from done yet is scary.